Game case for card type games

ABSTRACT

A game case ( 20 ) for retaining a first card ( 14 A) for a card type game ( 12 ) includes a case housing ( 22 ) having a first housing cover ( 32 ), a second housing cover ( 34 ), a first card tray ( 38 ) secured to the first housing cover ( 32 ), and a tray lid ( 44 ). The housing covers ( 32 ) ( 34 ) are movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration ( 48 ) in which the case housing ( 22 ) is closed and an open housing configuration ( 50 ) in which the case housing ( 22 ) is open. The first card tray ( 38 ) is secured to the first housing cover ( 32 ). Further, the first card tray ( 38 ) is sized and shaped to receive the first card ( 14 A). The tray lid ( 44 ) is positioned between the housing covers ( 32 ) ( 34 ). Further, the tray lid ( 44 ) pivots relative to the first housing cover ( 32 ) between a closed lid position ( 56 ) in which the tray lid ( 44 ) covers the first card tray ( 38 ) to retain the first card ( 14 A) in the first card tray ( 38 ), and an open lid position ( 58 ) in which the tray lid ( 44 ) is rotated away from the first card tray ( 38 ) so that the first card ( 14 A) can be removed from the first card tray ( 38 ).

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/778,561 filed on Mar. 2, 2006 and entitled “MULTI FUNCTION GAME CARRYING CASE”. The contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/778,561 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Card type games are becoming ever more popular. A typical card type game can include a plurality of game cards, one or more game mats, and a rulebook. Additionally, the card type game can include a game case that retains the components of the card type game. Unfortunately, existing game cases are not entirely satisfactory.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a game case for retaining a first card for a card type game. The game case includes a case housing having a first housing cover, a second housing cover, a first card tray secured to the first housing cover, and a tray lid. The housing covers are movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration in which the case housing is closed and an open housing configuration in which the case housing is open. The first card tray is fixedly secured to the first housing cover. Further, the first card tray is sized and shaped to receive the first card. The tray lid is positioned between the housing covers. In one embodiment, the tray lid pivots relative to the first housing cover between a closed lid position in which the tray lid covers the first card tray to retain the first card in the first card tray between the tray lid and the first housing cover, and an open lid position in which the tray lid is rotated away from the first card tray so that the first card can be removed from the first card tray. With this design, in certain embodiments, in the closed housing configuration, the case housing can reduce the thief of cards, and the tray lid will hold cards in place when the case housing is the in open housing configuration.

Further, in certain embodiments, the case housing can protect and store the other components of the card type game, and can be portable and easy to display in the current marketplace.

Moreover, the case housing can be made of hard plastic that offers consumers added value of a permanent stackable bookshelf appropriate storage unit for the card type game.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the tray lid is substantially transparent. With this design, the cards are visible when the case housing is the in open housing configuration. Moreover, the game case can include a lid lock that selectively locks the tray lid in the closed lid position.

In certain embodiments, the first card tray is integrally formed into the first housing cover and the first card tray is adapted to receive a plurality of first cards. Additionally, the game case can include a second card tray that is integrally formed into the first housing cover, the second card tray being adapted to receive a plurality of second cards.

In one embodiment, the housing covers are spaced apart and substantially parallel when the housing case is in the closed housing configuration, and the housing covers are substantially coplanar when the housing case is in the open housing configuration. Further, the tray lid can move with the first housing cover between the housing configurations.

Additionally, the game case can include a slip cover that is secured to one of the housing covers, and the slip cover can be adapted to receive an identifier sheet that identifies the card game. The slip cover allows for unique promotional opportunities in that many different identifier sheets can be easily used with the game case.

Moreover, the game case can include a materials holder that is secured to and moves with the second housing cover. The materials holder is adapted to selectively retain one or more game materials. For example, the materials holder can hold a rulebook, a game mat, a scratch pad, and/or a writing instrument.

Additionally, many of the features of the game case allow for a number of different card type games to alternatively be stored in the game case. Stated in another fashion a number of different card games can use the same style game case. With this design, the card type games of a particular company can have a somewhat uniform look that sets games of that company apart. Moreover, the standard packaging can be mass produced to added value to the card type game without a significant increase in price.

In one embodiment, the game case is sized and shaped somewhat similar to a DVD/video game case. This format of the game case can decrease the amount of production time necessary to pack components of game. Further, this format allows the card type game to be placed in retail spaces specifically designed to receive DVD/video games.

Further, the present invention is directed to a method for securing the components of a card type game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card type game having features of the present invention with a game case in a closed housing configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the card type game of FIG. 1 with the game case in an open housing configuration; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the card type game of FIG. 1 with a tray lid in an open lid position.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a card type game 12, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of only a portion of the card type game 12. In this embodiment, the card type game 12 includes a first set of cards 14, a second set of second cards 16, a set of game materials 18, and a game case 20. Alternatively, the card type game 12 can have more components or fewer components than that illustrated in the Figures. For example, the card type game 12 can include more than two or fewer than two sets 14, 16 of cards. Further, the design of the components of the card type game 12 can vary pursuant to the teachings provided herein.

As an overview, in certain embodiments, the game case 20 includes a case housing 22 that is uniquely designed to (i) protect and store the cards 14, 16 and the other components of the card type game 10, (ii) reduce the thief of cards 14, 16 prior to purchase, (iii) be easy to store and display in the current marketplace, (iv) offer the consumers added value of a permanent stackable bookshelf appropriate storage unit for the card type game 10, (v) be relatively easy to manufacture, and/or (vii) be easily adapted for use with many different card type games 12. In one embodiment, game case 20 is designed to retain the components of a single trading card game 12.

The type of card game 12 can vary. For example, the card game 12 can be a trading card game entitled “Pirates of the Caribbean” offered for sale by the Upper Deck Company LLC, located in Carlsbad, Calif. Alternatively, the card type game 12 can be another type of trading card game. With the design provided herein, the game case 20 can easily be adapted to alternatively retain the different card type games 12 of a particular company. This provides a somewhat uniform look for the card type games 12 of a particular company that distinguishes the games of that company apart the games of another company.

The first set 14 includes one or more first cards 14A, and the second set 16 includes one or more second cards 16A. The number of cards 14A, 14B in each set 14, 16 can vary. For example, each set 14, 16 can include thirty cards 14A, 16A. Alternatively, each set 14, 16 can include more than thirty or fewer than thirty cards 14A, 16A. Further, the first set 14 can include a greater or fewer number of first cards 14A than the second set 16 includes of second cards 16A. In one embodiment, each of the cards 14A, 16A is a trading type card that is flat, generally rectangular piece of stiff material, such as paper, cardboard, or plastic. Each of the cards 14A, 16A can include one or more figures, symbols, numbers, logos, or pictures that can be used in the play of the trading card game 12.

The set of game materials 18 (not shown in FIG. 3) can also vary according to the type of card game 12. For example, the set of game materials 18 can include a rulebook 24 for the card game 12, one or more play-mats 26 used in the card game 12, and/or paper 28 used to record acts or scores from the card game 12.

Additionally, the card game 12 can include a writing instrument 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) for writing on the paper 28. The type of writing instrument 30 can vary. For example, the writing instrument 30 can be a pen or pencil.

The design of the game case 20 can vary pursuant to the teachings provided herein. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the game case 20 includes a first housing cover 32, a second housing cover 34, a first card tray 38, a second card tray 40, a materials holder 42, a tray lid 44, and a slip cover 46. Alternatively, the game case 20 can be designed with fewer or more components than described herein.

The first housing cover 32 and the second housing cover 34 cooperate to enclose some of the other components of the card game 12. In one embodiment, the housing covers 32, 34 are movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration 48 (illustrated in FIG. 1) in which the case housing 22 is closed and an open housing configuration 50 (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) in which the case housing 22 is open. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the housing covers 32, 34 pivot relative to each other between the configurations 48, 50. Further, the housing covers 32, 34 are spaced apart and substantially parallel when the case housing 22 is in the closed housing configuration 48, and the housing covers 32, 34 are substantially coplanar when the case housing 22 is in the open housing configuration 50.

The case housing 22 can be any suitable shape that allows retention of the components of the card game 12. In one embodiment, the case housing 22 can have a rectangular form factor, with six sides to facilitate upright or sideways storage. For example, the case housing 22 can be sized and shaped somewhat similar to a DVD/video game case. This format of the case housing 22 can decrease the amount of production time necessary to pack components of game. Further, this format allows the card type game 12 to be placed in retail spaces specifically designed to receive DVD/video games. In one embodiment, the case housing 22 can have dimensions that allow stand-alone storage on any one of the sides of the case housing 22. In one embodiment, the case housing 22 can stand or lie on a shelf, rack or other storage unit, so that at least one side of the case housing 22 is visible.

In one embodiment, the first housing cover 32 includes a first planar region 32A and three, peripheral first side walls 32B that extend away from the first planar region 32A, and the second housing cover 34 includes a second planar region 34A and three, second side walls 34B that extend away from the second planar region 34A. Further, the housing covers 32, 34 are connected together with hinge wall 52 that allows the housing covers 32, 34 to pivot and move relative to each other.

The case housing 22 can be formed from various materials such as plastic, metal, or any other sufficiently rigid material(s) that will protect the contents of the case housing 22 from damage.

In one embodiment, when the case housing 22 is in the closed housing configuration 48, the sides 32B of the first housing cover 32 meet the sides 34B of the second housing cover 34.

The first card tray 38 (shown empty in FIG. 3) is sized and shaped to receive the plurality of first cards 14A and the second card tray 40 (shown empty in FIG. 3) is sized and shaped to receive the plurality of second cards 16A. In one embodiment, the first card tray 38 and the second card tray 40 are fixedly secured to the first housing cover 32. For example, the card trays 38, 40 can be integrally formed into the first housing cover 32. Alternatively, one or both of the card trays 38, 40 can be a plastic insert that is fixed to the first housing cover 32. In one embodiment, each card tray 38, 40 is a cavity or well defined by four tray walls 54.

The materials holder 42 (shown empty in FIG. 3) selectively retains one or more of the game materials 18. For example, the materials holder 42 can retain the rulebook 24, the play-mats 26, and/or the paper 28. In one embodiment, the materials holder 42 includes a pair of spaced apart clips that are fixedly secured to and extend away from the second housing cover 34.

The tray lid 44 is positioned between the housing covers 32, 34 and can be used to selectively cover one or both of the card trays 38, 40. In one embodiment, the tray lid 44 is secured to and pivots (hinges) relative to the first housing cover 32 between a closed lid position 56 (illustrated in FIG. 2) in which the tray lid 44 covers the card trays 38, 40 to retain the cards 14A, 16A in the respective card tray 38, 40, and an open lid position 58 (illustrated in FIG. 3) in which the tray lid 44 is rotated away from the card tray 38, 40 so that the cards 14A, 16A (not shown in FIG. 3) can be removed from the card trays 38, 40.

In this embodiment, the tray lid 44 selectively isolates the cards 14A, 16A from the rest of the components. Further, in one embodiment, at least a portion or all of the tray lid 44 is substantially transparent. This allows the cards 14A, 16A to be viewed through the tray lid 44 and securely retained in the case housing 22 when the case housing 22 is in the open housing configuration 50.

In one embodiment, the tray lid 44 includes a rectangular, fixed region 44A that is secured to the first housing cover 32 and a rectangular, movable region 44B that pivots relative to the fixed region 44A. In this embodiment, both of the regions 44A, 44B are transparent. Alternatively, for example, only the movable region 44B is transparent.

Additionally, the tray lid 44 can include a lid lock 60 that selectively locks the tray lid 44 in the closed lid position 56. For example, the lid lock 60 can include a snap-lock or other type of locking structure that holds the tray lid 44 in place until specifically opened by a user. More specifically, the tray lid 60 can include a pair of apertures 60A and the first housing cover 32 can includes a pair of protruding lips 60B that fit within the apertures 60A. With this design, the tray lid 44 moves with the first housing cover 32 between the housing configurations 48, 50.

The slip cover 46 receives and retains one or identifier sheets 62 that can be used to identify the particular card game 12. For example, the identifier sheet 62 can be a piece of paper that includes graphics and other information relating to the card game 12. The slip cover 46 can be secured to one or both of the housing covers 32, 34. In one embodiment, the slip cover 46 is a piece of transparent plastic that covers almost the entire case housing 22 and the slip cover 46 is secured at three edges (illustrated with “/”) to the housing covers 32, 34. With this design, the identifier sheets 62 can be slipped between the slip cover 46 and the housing covers 32, 34. With this design, the identifier sheet 62 can be visible for easy identification of the specific game or games within the game case 20 while the game case 20 is in storage. Further, this allows for many different card games 12 to use the same type of game case 20.

Additionally, the game case 20 can include an instrument holder 64 that selectively secures the writing instrument 30 to the rest of the game case 20. For example, the game case 20 can be a loop that is secured to the hinge wall 52.

Moreover, the housing case 22 can include a case lock 22A that selectively locks the housing covers 32, 34 in the closed housing configuration 48. For example, the case lock 22A can include a snap-lock or other type of locking structure that holds the housing covers 32, 34 together. More specifically, the second housing cover 34 can include a pair of protruding lips 22B and the first housing cover 32 can includes a pair of engagement regions 22C that engage the protruding lips 22B.

While the game case 20 as shown and disclosed herein is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 

1. A game case for a first card for a card type game, the game case comprising: a case housing including (i) a first housing cover; (ii) a second housing cover, the housing covers being movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration in which the case housing is closed and an open housing configuration in which the case housing is open; (iii) a first card tray that is fixedly secured to the first housing cover, the first card tray being adapted to receive the first card; and (iv) a tray lid that is positioned between the housing covers the tray lid pivoting relative to the first housing cover between a closed lid position in which the tray lid covers the first card tray to retain the first card in the first card tray between the first housing cover and the tray lid, and an open lid position in which the tray lid is rotated away from the first card tray so that the first card can be removed from the first card tray.
 2. The game case of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the tray lid is substantially transparent.
 3. The game case of claim 1 further comprising a lid lock that selectively locks the tray lid in the closed lid position to the first housing cover.
 4. The game case of claim 1 wherein the first card tray is integrally formed into the first housing cover and the first card tray is adapted to receive a plurality of first cards.
 5. The game case of claim 4 further comprising a second card tray that is integrally formed into the first housing cover, the second card tray being adapted to receive a plurality of second cards.
 6. The game case of claim 1 wherein the housing covers are spaced apart and substantially parallel when the case housing is in the closed housing configuration, and the housing covers are substantially coplanar when the case housing is in the open housing configuration.
 7. The game case of claim 1 wherein the tray lid moves with the first housing cover between the housing configurations.
 8. The game case of claim 1 further comprising a slip cover that is secured to one of the housing covers, the slip cover being adapted to receive an identifier sheet that identifies the card game.
 9. The game case of claim 1 further a materials holder that is secured to and moves with the second housing cover, the materials holder being adapted to selectively retain one or more game materials of the card type game.
 10. A card type game that includes a first card and the game case of claim 1 retaining the first card.
 11. A game case for retaining a plurality of first cards and an identifier sheet for a card type game, the game case comprising: a case housing including (i) a first housing cover; (ii) a second housing cover, the housing covers being movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration in which the case housing is closed and an open housing configuration in which the case housing is open; wherein the housing covers are spaced apart and substantially parallel when the housing case is in the closed housing configuration, and the housing covers are substantially coplanar when the housing case is in the open housing configuration; (iii) a first card tray that is integrally formed into the first housing cover, the first card tray being adapted to receive the plurality of first cards; (iv) a slip cover that is secured to one of the housing covers, the slip cover being adapted to receive the identifier sheet; and (v) a tray lid that is positioned between the housing covers, the tray lid pivoting relative to the first housing cover between a closed lid position in which the tray lid covers the first card tray to retain the first cards in the first card tray, and an open lid position in which the tray lid is rotated away from the first card tray so that the first cards can be removed from the first card tray, wherein at least a portion of the tray lid is substantially transparent, and wherein the tray lid moves with the first housing cover between the housing configurations.
 12. The game case of claim 11 further comprising a lid lock that selectively locks the tray lid in the closed lid position to the first housing cover.
 13. The game case of claim 11 further comprising a second card tray that is integrally formed into the first housing cover, the second card tray being adapted to receive a plurality of second cards and wherein the tray lid selectively covers both the first card tray and the second card tray.
 14. The game case of claim 11 further a materials holder that is secured to and moves with the second housing cover, the materials holder being adapted to selectively retain one or more game materials of the card game.
 15. A method for retaining a first card of a card type game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a case housing having (i) a first housing cover; (ii) a second housing cover, the housing covers being movable relative to each other between a closed housing configuration in which the case housing is closed and an open housing configuration in which the case housing is open; (iii) a first card tray that is fixedly secured to the first housing cover, the first card tray being adapted to receive the first card; and (iv) a transparent tray lid that is positioned between the housing covers, the tray lid pivoting relative to the first housing cover between a closed lid position in which the tray lid covers the first card tray to retain the first card in the first card tray between the tray lid and the first housing cover, and an open lid position in which the tray lid is rotated away from the first card tray so that the first card can be removed from the first card tray; and positioning the first card in the first card tray.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of providing a case housing includes providing a lid lock that selectively locks the tray lid in the closed lid position to the first housing cover.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the housing covers are spaced apart and substantially parallel when the housing case is in the closed housing configuration, and the housing covers are substantially coplanar when the housing case is in the open housing configuration.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the tray lid moves with the first housing cover between the housing configurations.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of providing a case housing includes providing a slip cover that is secured to one of the housing covers, the slip cover being adapted to receive an identifier sheet that identifies the card game.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of providing a case housing includes providing a materials holder that is secured to and moves with the second housing cover, the materials holder being adapted to selectively retain one or more game materials. 